The Underground Guide To Los Angeles, 2nd Edition

by Pleasant Gehman (Editor)

Explore life beyond Sunset Blvd and Universal Studios. From Hollywood landmarks to biking and walking tours to hip hangouts, The Underground Guide to Los Angeles has something new in store. For visitors and residents who yearn to find the real -- and affordable -- L.A., The Underground Guide to Los Angeles is the book to own. With updated chapters like Iris Berry's "Black Dahlia Drank Here -- Old Hollywood Landmarks," Libby Molyneaux's biking and walking tour of Laurel Canyon and the Hollywood Hills, and Jayson Marston's "Fetish L.A.," the variety of topics is endless. Whether you're looking for punk L.A.; the best thrift stores; gay and lesbian hangouts; activities for kids; or cheap places to stay, eat, and shop, they're all listed here. Among the 23 contributing writers are drag queen Vaginal Davis, Rob Zabrecky (lead singer of Possum Dixon), and filmmaker Lauren Hoffman (Bar Girls). Practical information like driving shortcuts and emergency phone numbers make this the only guide you'll need for your next trip.

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Pleasant Gehman is a true renaissance woman: writer, dancer, actor, musician and painter.A Hollywood icon, during the 1970′s, she was one of the first punks in Los Angeles, documenting the scene she helped create in her fanzine “Lobotomy”. During the 1980′s, she toured across North America fronting her three bands, all of whom released recordings: The Screaming Sirens, The Ringling Sisters and Honk If Yer Horny. She was also the booker for the seminal Los Angeles clubs Cathay De Grande and Raji’s.

Since the early 1990′s, under the stage name Princess Farhana, she has appeared internationally and a professional belly dancer and burlesque performer and teacher. She has danced and acted in numerous motion pictures, in music videos and on television. She has appeared in many documentaries on belly dance and burlesque, performing and as an interview subject. In 2009, she was the star of Steve Balderson’s film “Underbelly: A Year In The Life Of Princess Farhana“ which was released worldwide in theaters as well as on DVD.